Island News
A message from Council member Justin Paulsen: 2027 San Juan County budget development process
By Justin Paulsen
Compass Health recognized as a Quasquicentennial Corporation, marking 125 years of service in Northwest Washington
Submitted by Compass Health.
Merri Ann Simonson Real Estate Update: San Juan County Real Estate Market Summary
The second quarter results, which complete the first half of the year, in San Juan County and on San Juan Island reflect stable dollar volume with a fewer number of sales. Per the NWMLS, the dollar volume for the first half of the year in San Juan County was $159,961,071 which is an increase […]
Stitched Stories | A quilters showcase at Orcas Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Discover a beautiful display of local artistry this July and August at Orcas Senior Center! Visit weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to explore a vibrant collection of handcrafted quilts created by talented quilters in our community. Each quilt reflects creativity, craftsmanship, and personal stories woven into every stitch. From bold patterns to delicate details, this special exhibition celebrates the warmth, color, and inspiration of quilting traditi
Larsen votes No on Republican amendment to limit funds for humanitarian efforts
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “I voted “no” on a Republican amendment that would have prohibited any diplomatic, humanitarian, development or security funding related to Israel. I support Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself. The amendment would have stopped critical U.S. efforts in the region to distribute humanitarian aid, resettle refugees, support security collaboration
News Brief | Gray whale deaths near record levels in WA
||| FROM KREM 2 NEWS via YOUTUBE |||
No jury duty for July 20-31
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: JULY 20-31, 2026 All jurors summonsed for the Jury Period beginning Monday July 20th through Friday July 17, 2026 are excused. Thank you.
2026 Poetry Garden entries due July 31
San Juan County residents of all ages are encouraged to submit your best original poems to the 2026 POETRY GARDENS CONTEST. Winning entries will be displayed in the town’s four Poetry Gardens! Deadline for submission: July 31, 2026. GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION Author must be a resident of San Juan County, WA. Poems must be your […]
July 15: Music on the Lawn presents Joel Astley
July 15 | 6:30 to 8:15 pm | San Juan Historical Museum | 405 Price St. | Friday Harbor July 8 – Flipside July 15 – Joel Astley Since forming his first band in 2014, Joel Astley quickly established himself as a world-class bandleader, harmonica player, singer, songwriter, and entertainer. In the past year he […]
July 23: Friends of the San Juans: The Song of the Orca: An Evening of Art, Music, and Community to Benefit Southern Resident Killer Whales
Friday Harbor, WA — Friends of the San Juans invites the community to The Song of the Orca, a special benefit event celebrating the creativity, collaboration, and collective action helping protect the San Juan Islands and Salish Sea for endangered Southern Resident killer whales. The event will take place Thursday, July 23, from 5:30 to […]
Backers of Washington’s Millionaire Tax launch effort to keep it
Washington News Service: A coalition of more than 100 groups, including labor unions and community organizations, has launched the “No on 645” campaign to defend Washington’s Millionaire Tax, which will be on the November ballot. The new law applies a nearly 10% income tax on household earnings above $1 million. Sam Hatzenbeler, legislative director for […]
San Juan Preservation Trust to celebrate 20 years of Turtleback Mountain at Orcas Island Summer Social
Submitted by the San Juan Preservation Trust.
Waste tire disposal: San Juan County wants to hear from you
Submitted by San Juan County.
San Juan County Council weighs four paths to ease housing crunch
San Juan County Council members spent part of their June 9 meeting on the county’s housing shortage, narrowing a list of possible code changes to four priorities: pre-approved building plans, updated accessory dwelling unit standards, legalization of temporary and mobile housing, and rural cluster development changes.
Engineer says root problem behind Ferndale propane tank isn’t the tank — it’s a patchwork of regulations
Wendy Hiester, a retired chemical engineer, Orcas Island resident and former engineering superintendent at the BP Cherry Point Refinery, said in an interview with the Islands’ Sounder that the real issue behind the aging propane storage tank at the AltaGas Cherry Point terminal is not the tank itself, but a gap in Washington state’s regulatory system that allows facilities handling refinery-scale volumes of hazardous chemicals to escape the oversight refineries receive.
Despite federal financing shakeup, land trust model offers some protections to keep affordable housing secure
Federal changes to mortgage financing have forced San Juan County’s affordable housing partner, OPAL Community Land Trust, to adjust how some of its homes are financed, according to discussion at the Eastsound Planning Review Committee meeting held July 2. In an email reply to the Islands’ Sounder, OPAL Executive Director Lisa Byers confirmed several details and added context to other points brought up at the meeting. Byers did not participate in the meeting.
New to Medicare? Here’s what you need to know
Will you be turning 65, retiring or qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits for 24 months in the next year? Then you will be eligible to join Medicare. Enrollment is not automatic for most people, so you’ll probably need to enroll with Social Security. To avoid penalties and make an informed decision about your coverage choices, you’ll need to understand a lot of new information — including when to enroll, what Medicare covers and which type of coverage is right for you.
Planned Parenthood advocacy organizations in Washington announce Supreme Court endorsements
On Tuesday, July 7, Planned Parenthood’s two advocacy organizations in Washington announced their joint endorsements for the Washington State Supreme Court for the first time in over a decade.
‘You Can’t Hide’ shows for two nights at Orcas Center
Comedian Casey Skinner performs and leads workshop
‘Elements: A Celebration of Contemporary Art by Orcas Island Artists’
Submitted by Inese Westcott.
Acting classes this summer at Orcas Center
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
Early Bird Passes available for Friday Harbor Film Festival
||| FROM FRIDAY HARBOR FILM FESTIVAL ||| Mark your calendars — Friday Harbor Film Festival returns to San Juan Island this October, opening the evening of October 22 and running through October 25 with powerful documentaries, filmmaker conversations, and island community. Early Bird Passes are on sale now through August 15, with the best pricing of the year on Patron and All-Access passes. Explore Passes Submissions Close August 1 — Last Call for Filmmakers Attention filmmakers! Time’s almost up
Lopez wildland fire extinguished with help from DNR, Orcas and San Juan fire departments
On Monday July 13th at 12:57pm, Lopez Island Fire and EMS responded to a wildland fire in the area of Shark Reef and Meadow Lane. While enroute to the scene assistance was requested from the San Juan Fire District 3 fire boat due to the nature of the report. Personnel arrived on scene at an […]
Go fly a kite
Looking for something to do that doesn’t involve a screen? How about something that gets you out of the house, let’s you zone out and provides a joyful and meditative experience. How about kite flying. Kite enthusiasts Max Gilbertson and Katherine Hales opened Quite Alright Kites (QUARK) in Friday Harbor June 1, 2026. Their mission […]